Fixed rate expenses

An optional system of fixed rate expenses has been introduced for unincorporated businesses. We consider the optional rules which allow the use of a 'simplified' fixed rate deduction instead of actual costs.

Self-employed and interested in in reducing your record keeping? An optional system of fixed rate expenses allow the use of a 'simplified' fixed rate deduction instead of actual costs paid or incurred. Using fixed rates may reduce the need for some of the detailed record keeping and calculations necessary to support tax deductible expenses. The amount of the overall tax allowable deductions could be greater or smaller compared to an actual cost comparison. We set out the fixed rates available but at Johnson Accounting Solutions, we can advise on maximising the relief due to you if you live in the Hampshire & West Sussex area.

Am I eligible?

The use of fixed rates is available to anyone who is self-employed. Partnerships can also use them as long as all the members of the partnership are individuals.

What do the fixed rates apply to?

Principally they apply to the following:

business mileage

deductions for business use of home

adjustments for private use of business premises

We consider the rules for calculating the fixed rates and when these are available.

Business mileage

Rather than claiming the actual deductions for purchasing, maintaining and running a motor vehicle or motorcycle, businesses can calculate allowable expenditure using a fixed rate based on mileage. The rates are:

Vehicle type

Pence per mile

Cars and vans

- up to 10,000 miles

45

- over 10,000 miles

25

Motorcycles

24

It is important to note that once the fixed rate is used for a particular vehicle, the same method must continue to be used for as long as the vehicle remains in the business. It will therefore be important to keep a detailed mileage log/diary. Additional business costs that are journey specific, such as parking fees and congestion charges will still need to be recorded and claimed. If capital allowances have been claimed the fixed rate cannot be used. Additionally, where for example a van has been claimed as an allowable payment under the cash basis, then the fixed rate cannot be used.

Business use of home

It is very common for self-employed individuals to work at least some of the time from home. Some tax relief is available if part of a home is used solely for the purpose of the business for a specified time. It is important however to ensure that part of the home is not exclusively used for business purposes unless absolutely necessary as this restricts the capital gains tax main residence exemption on the eventual sale of the home. Instead of recording actual costs on running a home (e.g. utilities, telephone and internet charges) and claiming a business proportion, a fixed rate deduction can be claimed. If you decide to adopt the fixed rate then the following rates apply:

Number of hours worked per month

Allowable amount

25 or more

£10

51 or more

£18

101 or more

£26

Hours worked is the number of hours spent wholly and exclusively on work done by yourself or an employee in your home wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the business. You can revert to actual costs in another year after choosing to use the fixed rate for one year.

Private use of business premises

If you use premises both as a home and as business premises (for example, a pub), the total expenses of the property need to be adjusted for private use. A fixed scale can be used to adjust for the private use which will increase taxable profits. Only premises which are used mainly for the purposes of carrying on a trade will qualify.

The fixed scale is as below and is for each month (or part month) falling within the period:

Number of relevant occupants

Flat rate per month

1

£350

2

£500

3 or more

£650

The 'number of relevant occupants' is based on how many people (including children) use the business premises each month (or part of a month) as a private home.

HMRC have advised that the flat rate includes all household goods and services, food and non-alcoholic drinks and utilities but not mortgage interest, rent, council tax or rates. This appears to make the rates above expensive add backs as a further adjustment is therefore required for these other expenses.

How we can help

If you live in the Hampshire & West Sussex area and would like any advice on claiming fixed rate expenses and whether or not these are appropriate for you, please do contact us at Johnson Accounting Solutions.